Heart of America Council — Boy Scouts of America

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Tiger CubsA school-year program for first grade (or 7 year old) boys, and their adult partners that stresses simplicity, shared leadership, learning about the community, and family understanding.

Cub ScoutingA year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young boys and their parents. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development, citizenship, and physical fitness.

Boy ScoutingA program for boys 11 through 17 designed to develop character, citizenship, and fitness. Through the advancement program and peer group leadership, Scouting helps a boy develop into a well-rounded young man.

VenturingA development program for young men and women 14 years of age (and in the 9th grade) through 20 years old offering fun and challenging activities that promote character development, citizenship and physical fitness.

Youth ProtectionThe Boy Scouts of America is committed to protecting the young people it serves. There are set guidelines for reporting abuse, remember, Youth Protection Begins With YOU®

ActivitiesThere are several activities happening that packs, troops, crews, and teams can become involved in! Check out the Community Activities, Jamboree, Mini-Camp Weekends, and Merit Badge pages to see how to become involved.

International ScoutingThe Boy Scouts of America is part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) which recognizes Scouting programs in at least 216 countries.

Advancement & AwardsScouting offers a rich experience of rank advancement in all of its programs and awards both youth and adults for their achievements.

STEMScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs.

DistrictsDistricts are directly responsible for the operation of Scouting units and, except for the district executive, are mostly staffed with volunteers.

Distinguished Citizen Dinner

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Roshann Parris

Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner

Held Since 1991, The Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner honors an individual or company in the Kansas City community for their efforts in making a distinct difference in the fabric of our community. The honoree’s community involvement touches lives and improves the quality of life for all. Past honorees include Neal Patterson and Cliff Illig, Congressman Ike Skelton, Terry Dunn, Tom McCullough, Julia Kauffman, Robert Long, David Lockton, Michael Haverty, the Hall Family/Hallmark Cards, and KCP&L employees.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit Urban Scouting Programs in the 19 counties served by the Heart of America, Boy Scouts of America. The dinner highlights these programs and the in-roads Scouting is making to bring values and life skills to young people who might not otherwise be reached because of socio-economic barriers that they face. More than 6,230 youth are currently involved in these programs.

Other recognitions include the presentation of two $10,000 college scholarships awarded to Eagle Scouts with economic challenges who have provided exemplary service to the community and others.

2016 Honoree: Roshann Parris—Founder & CEO, Parris Communications

Roshann is the founder of Parris Communications Inc., a Kansas City-based public relations and strategic communications firm now celebrating its 28th year. The firm has developed a reputation for its broad-based strategic and crisis communications work in both the U.S. and countries worldwide, ranging from Fortune 50 companies to governmental organizations to thriving small businesses.

While managing her energized Parris team, Roshann has simultaneously maintained an active

Washington, D.C.-based public sector career which, since 1978, has included 6 years on the United States Senate staff and senior roles on 10 presidential campaign staffs of Democratic candidates.

Roshann is a recipient of the Kansas City Spirit Award, the Central Exchange Firehouse Award, Kansas City Woman of the Year, Public Relations Professional of the Year, Athena Award, MS Society Hope Award, William Jewell College Distinguished Service honorary degree, MS Society Hope Award, and the United Way Adele Hall Spirit of Caring Award.

The Distinguished Citizen Dinner will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Sheraton Overland Park, Kansas. 5:30 p.m.

Additional information on the dinner please contact Jeromy Rutledge, Director of Development at (816) 569-4965 or by email at jeromy.rutledge@scouting.org